Church Highlights
February 10
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, our church family gathered after Sunday service to celebrate the New Year together, exchanging warm wishes and enjoying a meal in fellowship.
February 17
On Communion Sunday, Pastor Chen Liliang shared a message with us about witnessing faith amidst the secular tide.
March 15-17
The second interim annual conference of the New Zealand Chinese Methodist Church was held at the Auckland Mei En Church. Pastor Wang, Deacon Ling Ai, and Brother Ron represented our church at the meeting. Pastor Wang shared during the retirement service and received a commemorative gift from the interim annual conference.
April 7
On Pastor Wang Shoukuan's retirement Sunday, we expressed our gratitude for his and his wife's faithful service over the past 13 years. The deacons and the Bethany group prepared a heartfelt program to honor them, and the church held a formal farewell ceremony to commemorate their contributions to our community. Their labor in the Lord is not in vain; the Lord will remember the work of their hands.
March
The Cantonese fellowship group: Sisters gathered to explore faith, share delicious food, and care for one another, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
March 19
At 7:30 PM, Pastor Xiao Zhaohua hosted a spiritual retreat.
May 12
On Mother's Day, our church members visited the elderly at the Ultimate Care Oakland nursing home on 13th Street, sharing God's love through dance and song. In the afternoon, during Sunday service, the children from Sunday School presented a wonderful program to celebrate Mother's Day.
May 25
Pastor Long Piaopiao held a sharing and testimony session, using her beautiful voice to proclaim God's great love and sharing her personal testimony with us.
May 29
The deacon fellowship gathered to bid farewell to Wei Yuancang, Yan Yan, Pastor Wang, and his wife, commemorating their years of dedicated service at our church.
June 9
We witnessed the baptism of Sister Luo Yumei and Brother Yang Yan, as well as the membership ceremony for four brothers and sisters: Yang Suhua, Chen Sheng, Wang Liang, and Xie Jishi.
For safety reasons, the church replaced its evangelistic vehicle, hoping it will be effectively used in our outreach ministry. After worship, we held a simple prayer and offering ceremony.
June 30
Pastor Feng Yage shared a valuable gospel message titled "What is Life?"
July 27
Youth fellowship activities with teenagers from Auckland Mei En Church and our church.
July 28
Children's Sunday School Sunday, where the children prepared an exciting program, and the youth choir from Mei En Church presented beautiful songs. The church also prepared small gifts for the Sunday School teachers to thank them for their guidance, helping the children to know, draw near to, and glorify the Lord.
August 3 and 10
The church launched the "Hope for Children" Three-Fold Mentor Training Program, with 15 brothers and sisters participating. May the Lord grant wisdom to the teachers as they apply what they have learned to spread the gospel.
August 4
The youth baptism class officially began, encouraging teenagers aged 11 and above to participate. Through this course, we hope the youth will gain a deeper understanding of their faith and commit themselves to Christ.
August 11
Mission Sunday, where Pastor Huang Da shared a message titled "Understanding My Heart."
Adult Fellowship Activities
Starting in May this year, the church will hold an adult fellowship activity once a month. The theme of the fellowship is: Community Care and Loving Fellowship.
May 25
Pastor Long Piaopiao's sharing and testimony session.
June 29
Sister Maggie shared a message titled "The Father Leads Me."
July 27
Adult fellowship organized games for everyone.
August 16
Dr. Yang Jingwei gave a medical lecture on the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
September 8
Celebrating the 13th Anniversary Thanksgiving Sunday of our church, where Interim Annual Conference President Pastor Gong Ziyang shared God's precious words with us. Church leaders Brother Yang Jingyi and Teacher Zhong Kaipeng led the Auckland Chuangyue Choir and many brothers and sisters in celebrating our church's 13th birthday. We thank God for His guidance over the past 13 years and pray that He continues to bless our church, allowing it to be a blessing to the Chinese community in Tauranga.
The Auckland Chuangyue Choir performed songs in celebration of our church's 13th anniversary.
The children from the junior Sunday School presented a carefully prepared program and the choir sang.
The deacons gathered to cut the birthday cake.
November 17
We witnessed the baptism ceremony conducted by Pastor Chen Liliang for four brothers and sisters: He Song, Wen Juling, Cai Yuming, and Li Lin, as well as the baptism of three children: Lin Jiaqi, Chi Hongrui, and Xia Jingran, and the membership ceremony for Brother Xiong Dahua and Sister Zhang Qiuhua.
December 22
On Christmas Sunday, brothers and sisters gathered to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The choir and Sunday School children also prepared special programs for this occasion.
A group photo of the Sunday School children celebrating Christmas Sunday.
Group Meeting Information Sharing
June 7
The Bethany group had a potluck, and on July 13, the Bethany group organized an outdoor activity at Mount Maunganui with the theme: Walking and Praying.
Prayer Requests
We pray that the Lord Jesus will raise up more brothers and sisters to participate in prayer ministry.
We pray that the Lord Jesus will drive away the spirit of depression in New Zealand.
We pray that the Lord Jesus will protect each family from the invasion of drugs.
June 27
The Bethlehem sisters' Bible study group had a potluck, and in July, the Cantonese sisters' fellowship gathered to study God's word, discuss faith, share food, and care for one another in a warm and joyful atmosphere. We hope more sisters will join the fellowship to receive God's word and love together.
Group Activity Information Sharing
Youth Sunday School activities and outdoor fellowship.
Brothers and Sisters' Sharing
Bridge - Sister Maggie
The completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge represents a significant advancement in bridge-building technology!
When did humanity start using bridges? How long is the history of bridges?
The author of [The Story of Bridges], Nakano Kyoko, states:
"Bridges were born before recorded history, in the era when humans began to use tools."
"It is said that the origin of bridges came from naturally fallen trees or rocks forming natural bridges across rivers, and then humans began to build wooden bridges."
"Bridges connect two different worlds, linking the ordinary with the extraordinary, this shore with the other shore."
Indeed, the purpose and significance of a bridge is to connect two points that would otherwise remain apart! From the simplest wooden bridges, to the 'living bridges' made of tree roots in Meghalaya, India (which take 500 years to complete and continue to grow!); or the uniquely designed 'rolling bridge' in London; to the beautiful, majestic, and costly bridges of today. Regardless of the cost of construction, their function remains the same.
The tree root bridge in India.
The rolling bridge in London.
It can be said that every country has its representative famous bridge, such as the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States; the Tower Bridge in London; the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in China; and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan, among others.
Bridges can span seas, mountains, and clouds.
[The Story of Bridges] also mentions that "hidden within every bridge are many stories. Bridges connect different worlds, and many stories are born from this."
The Bible is, in fact, a "bridge" story! This "bridge" spans heaven and earth, transcending time and space, connecting sinful humanity with the holy God! This "bridge" is Jesus Christ! The plan for this "bridge" began with humanity's sin and was completed with the birth of Jesus.
Before this, in the Old Testament, the "bridge" was through priests and sacrifices, allowing sinners to return to the holy God. However, these "bridges" were imperfect, flawed, and often decayed! Until the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of the great high priest Jesus Christ, this "bridge" became the most perfect, flawless, incorruptible, and everlasting "heavenly bridge," connecting humanity and God without obstruction, forever.
The Lord Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Yes, He is the bridge that connects sinners with the holy God, the bridge that links this life with eternal life. It is a bridge that transcends time, space, and eternity!
Baptism Testimony
Witness: Brother Cheng Cheng
I have been in New Zealand for almost ten years. From initially being completely unbelieving, I gradually came to understand and draw closer to God. Now, I hope to fully entrust myself to Him, for God is my Father, who loves me and is dependable.
I grew up under the education of atheism in my home country, and I did not believe in God. Our generation was brainwashed from a young age to only believe in evolution, thinking that humans evolved from monkeys and that everything in nature happened by chance, which we considered scientific. Therefore, the idea of "God being the only God" was always a question mark in my heart. Throughout my journey, I did not encounter insurmountable difficulties; I used to attribute this to good luck. Now, reflecting on everything I have experienced, I realize it must have been God's protection. God knew I would eventually trust and love Him. Everything I have gone through was indeed arranged by Him.
When I first arrived in New Zealand, I visited a church in Auckland. The atmosphere left a good impression on me, with beautiful songs and friendly people, but for various reasons, I could not continue attending. I thank the Lord that even at that time, I did not give up seeking Him. After our family moved to Te Puke, I came into contact with the Chinese church in Tauranga, giving me another opportunity to engage with Christianity and understand it. After participating in church activities, I saw peace and joy as everyone sang hymns sincerely; the pastor's sermons relieved my confusion; and earnest prayers made me feel God's presence. I also began to read the Bible, starting with the Psalms, and gradually understood that the essence of the Christian spirit is love and truth. I realized I am a sinner who needs to repent before the Lord. This is my true journey; despite my past confusion, I know deep down that the Lord's words have taken root in me, and I have found the right path. In my life, whether it was finding a school for my child or moving to a new house, I truly felt that God was arranging everything for us, as if everything had already been predetermined.
On my journey of drawing closer to God, the love and support from the church brothers and sisters have deeply touched me. Their care for our family has made me feel the love that belongs to God. The atmosphere of fellowship is so peaceful and harmonious. Perhaps I was touched by the long-lost joy of Christians, feeling that this place is like a spiritual rest stop in this chaotic world. Every time I come to church, I feel I am one step closer to God. Now, the faith in the spirit of Christ is subtly permeating my life, making me more honest and strong than before. I thank and praise the Lord, willing to come before Him in obedience and acceptance of His guidance, and I am willing to entrust myself to Him and believe in His arrangements. Regarding my faith, I feel like a child on the path of growth, and I hope my whole life will be a journey toward the embrace of God, allowing the fruits of the Spirit to continually grow.
Thank the Lord, Hallelujah.
Membership Testimony
--Witness: Sister Yang Suhua
***Testifying to God's Power***
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you in the Lord. My name is Suhua, born in 1958, from Shenyang, China. In 2015, I came to New Zealand to live with my daughter in Tauranga. In 2016, I met Sister Shumin, who invited me to church. My daughter is a Christian and also led me to Pastor Wang's home for a prayer group, and I began attending church on Sundays. Eventually, I made a commitment and was baptized on January 22, 2017, becoming a daughter of God. Thank the Lord!
At first, I only wanted to make some friends and find a social circle by going to church. Gradually, through the prayer group, Bethany group meetings, and attending Sunday worship, listening to the